What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- Bleeding disorder
- Cancer
- Depression
- Diabetes that is not related to Cushing's disease
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Liver disease
- Low levels of potassium in the blood
- Organ transplant
- Taking steroids such as dexamethasone or prednisone
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- An unusual or allergic reaction to mifepristone, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Breast-feeding
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
- Certain medications for cholesterol, such as lovastatin or simvastatin
- Certain medications for fungal infections, such as fluconazole, ketoconazole, or posaconazole
- Cisapride
- Cyclosporine
- Dronedarone
- Ergot alkaloids, such as dihydroergotamine or ergotamine
- Fentanyl
- Pimozide
- Quinidine
- Sirolimus
- Tacrolimus
- Thioridazine
This medication may also interact with the following:
- Certain antibiotics, such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, or telithromycin
- Certain antivirals for HIV or hepatitis
- Certain medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, or phenobarbital
- Certain medications that prevent or treat blood clots, such as warfarin
- Conivaptan
- Estrogen or progestin hormones
- Grapefruit juice
- Itraconazole
- Medications for depression or anxiety
- Opioids
- Other medications that cause heart rhythm changes
- Repaglinide
- Rifabutin
- Rifampin
- Rifapentine
- St. John's wort
- Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone
- Thyroid hormones
- Voriconazole
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. You will need blood work done while you are taking this medication.
This medication may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your care team before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medication.
Keep the MedGuide for this medication. If you need emergency medical care, show your care team the MedGuide. Tell the care team that you have taken this medication.
Talk to your care team if you or your partner wish to become pregnant or think either of you might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy or for 1 month after stopping treatment. A negative pregnancy test is required before starting this medication. A reliable form of contraception is recommended while taking this medication and for 1 month after stopping treatment. Talk to your care team about effective forms of contraception.
Estrogen and progestin hormones may not work as well while you are taking medication. A barrier contraceptive, such as a condom or diaphragm, is recommended if you are using these hormones for contraception while taking this medication and for 1 month after stopping this medication. Talk to your care team about effective forms of contraception.
Talk to your care team before breastfeeding. Changes to your treatment plan may be needed.
What are the most serious risks of this medication?
Do not take Korlym to treat Cushing's disease if you are pregnant. It can cause harm to an unborn baby.